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Welcome to Ask A Biologist. This site has a large collection of biology learning materials that includes stories, games, activities, videos, and a podcast.
Every so often, cicadas rise up from their quiet underground burrows to “sing” their best ballads. Aside from their sound, what do you know about the patient, musical lifestyle of these insects?
They say mother knows best; this may be especially true when it comes to moms sharing protective immune molecules with their babies.
We are often taught that germs are bad, but what if exposure to germs or other microorganisms has long-term positive effects? Recent studies show that certain microbes in our environment might actually offer a protective effect against Alzheimer’s Disease.
Is there life on other planets? Let’s take a look at how scientists are trying to solve this mystery.
Beyond viral cat videos and the millions of cute pictures of our feline friends found on various social media channels, these four-legged animals might help us to better understand science. At least my guest thinks they can give us some insights into the world of bile acids, digestion, cholesterol…
Dr. Biology has a chance to learn some interesting things about exploring for new species from biologists Vicki Funk and Richard Pyle from the Smithsonian Institute and the Bishop Museum. This episode might just put the explorer bug into your head.
Bee Movies are not just for Hollywood. Dr. Biology catches up with bee movie maker and neurobiologist Brian Smith who uses film and video to unlock the mystery behind bees. He's learning so much about how they sense and communicate with the environment. This movie director may…
Did you know the westerly winds in the Southern Ocean have been helping to keep our planet livable? Yes, they have been responsible for soaking up half of the human-made carbon dioxide (CO2) along with a whole lot of excess heat. Dr. Biology has the opportunity to talk with geoscientist …
Busy Bones
Explore the Bone Anatomy Viewer
Ever wonder what’s inside your bones? Here’s your chance to find out! Dissect a virtual bone and learn…
Two Headed Snake
Read The Tale of the Two-Headed Lampropeltis getula californiae and then take this quiz to test your knowledge!
Beetle Dissection
The outside of beetles can be shiny, dull, or extremely colorful. But what is going on inside of beetles…
Busy Bones
Explore the Bone Anatomy Viewer
Ever wonder what’s inside your bones? Here’s your chance to find out! Dissect a virtual bone and learn…
Bee Waggle Dance Game
Did you know that honey bee workers tell their sisters where to find the best flowers and nectar with a dance? It is called…
Genetics Game
Our genes control much of how we look and who we are. But do you really know how genetics work? Take a moment to gather some…
Nano Building
Play the Bionanoengineering Game
Basic building patterns can be used to think about how technologies are built at the nano-scale. Try your hand…